Dear Editor,
I write in support of the editorial `Saudi investment delegation’ (Stabroek News July 11, 2022). I believe President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, blundered in welcoming this delegation at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on July 8, 2022.
In the first place, I believe his Arabian outfit was totally inappropriate. He was addressing the delegates in his own country in his capacity as host and President of Guyana, a country of six races and multiple religions. This was not a religious or a cultural function. His choice of attire was not representative of the Guyanese dress code and created the impression of pandering.
The editorial quotes the Head of the Saudi delegation as requesting “a special desk under your presidency or even in one of the ministries that handles Saudi investments and look after Saudi investors” to which President Ali is reported as responding “As of today, there will be a Saudi Arabia Desk in the Ministry of Finance”. I agree with the editorial that “Any locating of a desk at the Ministry of Finance for Saudi Arabia is wholly unacceptable and must not be permitted”.
Not only is such a desk in the Ministry of Finance unprecedented, but also, it creates the perception of preferential treatment to the Saudis. Guyana has been attracting investors from countries which have been providing aid to the country for decades. These countries are now likely to conclude that, with a Saudi desk in the Ministry of Finance which operates out of the Office of the President, their investors will not be on a level playing field but at a disadvantage. President Ali should tread carefully in making accommodations for new friends.
Yours faithfully,
Harry Hergash
